THE PRAYER LIFE OF JESUS

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES BY OUTLINE #

Here, as I promised, are the scriptural references that relate to the study of "The Prayer Life of Jesus." I have listed them in the order of the Gospels in the New Testament, as well as the order of the outline numbers.

Outline # I Outline # II Outline # III

Matt. 11:25 Matt. 6:5 Matt. 26:36-46
Matt. 14:13 Matt. 6:6 Mark 14:32-42
Matt. 14:23 Matt. 6:7 Mark 15:34
Matt. 19:13 Matt. 6:8 Luke 22:41-46
Matt. 26:26 Matt. 6:9 John 17
Matt. 26:39 Matt. 6:14-15 1. vs. 1-5 (to God)
Mark 1:35 Matt. 7:7-12 2. vs. 6-19 (for the 12)
Mark 6:41 Matt. 18:19 3. vs. 20-26 (for all
Mark 6:46 Matt. 21:22 believers)
Mark 8:6-7 Matt. 26:41
Mark 14:22-23 Matt. 26:52-54 For Study in general
Luke 4:42 Matt. 27:46 Luke 18:31-34
Luke 5:16 Mark 9:29
Luke 6:12, 13-16 & Mark 11:24-25
17-49 Luke 9:18
Luke 9:10-11 Luke 9:28-29
Luke 9:16 Luke 11:1-4, 5-13
Luke 9:18 Luke 18:1 (1-18)
Luke 9:28-29 Luke 18-9-14
Luke 11:1 Luke 22:31-32
Luke 22:17 & 19 Luke 22:40
Luke 22:31-32 John 11:4 1-42
Luke 23:33-34 & John 12:27-28
44-46 John 14:13-14
Luke 24:30 (13-35) John 14:16
John 6:11 John 16:23-24
John 12:27-28 John 16:26

As I prepared for this study, my procedure was simple, but detailed. First, I read all the Gospels and listed every reference to prayer from Jesus. Secondly, I placed all the references that related to the same occasion or subject together. Third, the outline itself developed.

With the outline, previously posted, and the scriptural references by outline, I hope that any of you who are interested will find a workable study for personal use and/or small group purposed. A final part of my preparation entailed the listing of the references as they appeared in the Gospels, with a note regarding the out line # and a notation about the scripture itself. This was to remember to what the specific reference pertained.

If any of you wish to have that final listing to complete your materials for your own study, please email me. You will find how to contact me by going to my complete profile. If you wish you may also state your wishes in a comment to the blog.

You have my sincere thanks and prayers for your participation in my feeble attempts to blog about my wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

PROPOSED OUTLINE FOR STUDY

As I promised in my last post, the following is the outline that I developed in my personal study on Jesus' prayer life. After today's post, I will also follow this up with a listing of the scriptural references used for each part. It is my sincere hope that you will be able to use them in your study should you decide to continue with it.

I. Personal Prayer Habits of Jesus
A. mountain side
B. alone
C. all night
D. a little farther
E. prayers of thanks before his breaking bread

II. Teachings on Prayer
A. persistence
1. friend at midnight
2. widow and judge
3. ask, seek, knock
B. the prayer taught to the disciples (the Lord's Prayer?)
C. why pray if He knows already what we have need of (Matt. 6:7)
D. participatory and relationship prayer

III. Special Prayers of Jesus
A. Gethsemane
B. John 17
C. Living what He taught (Father, forgive, they don't know what thy're doing)
D. Praying for Peter--Luke 22:31-32, that his faith wouldn't fail. And, when
you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.
John 21:15-22--Jesus' follow through on this with 3 denial and 3 directives.

Monday, September 12, 2011

BLOG TO BE DISCONTINUED

My last post for this blog was on July 8, 2011. At that time my remarks were regarding the prayer that Jesus taught His disciples (most often called "The Lord's Prayer").

Since that time I have come to realize that my life's schedule does not allow me to continue with this study. I had assumed that my 'retired' status would be perfect for the time required. However, the focus and concentration needed for a study of such magnitude and relevance to each Christian is just not available for me now.

My wife and I have found a new direction for our lives in a caretaker's situation. This is definitely not a complaint since we made a deliberate decision to be here, both where we are and what we are doing.

Over the next several days, I will be posting the outline (with limited remarks) for my study of God's Word on "The Prayer Life of Jesus." For any of you who are interested, please feel free to continue with the study. You are most welcome to use the outline that I shall be posting.

The sister blog, "One Christian's Sharing," will be continued, since it does not require the time nor focus as "The Prayer Life of Jesus" study.

I hope my sharing of my life lessons and observations will be a blessing in your life. As you read it, I also hope that you will share your comments so that we may all "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (II Peter 3:18a).

Your thoughts and comments are both welcome and appreciated.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

PART II--TEACHING ON PRAYER (THE LORD'S PRAYER, CONT.)

OMG is not a substitute for addressing God in our praying. In fact, taking the risk of being called legalistic, such use is probably best considered "taking the name of the Lord in vain."

No better way could there be than to emulate Jesus in praying--even as to the address itself, "Father." Jesus, on earth, was Son of God-sinless and holy. (Hebrews 4:15) He was also Son of Man-God in the flesh. (John 1:14) As such, in His praying, Jesus addressed God as Father. See His prayers, in Gethsemane-Luke 22:42; for His disciples-John 17:1; on the cross-Luke 23:34 and 46.

So, in teaching His disciples to pray, He began the address, "Our Father." How marvelous that Jesus called God, "Father" and then teaches us to do the same. "Our Father" --meaning His and mine!

The words that follow "which art in heaven" do not indicate a God that is far off and not approachable. Those words simply mean that He is our spiritual father. Jesus told the woman at the well that "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." (John 4:24 KJV)

God is approachable. I do not go through anyone else. Through Jesus Christ, (i.e. God Himself), I am able to get to the "Head Man Himself." Forgive my colloquialism, but it doesn't get any better than this! I pray to God and God alone.

"Hallowed be Thy Name" is a recognition that God is sacred and holy, and, that I am willing and committed to His being sacred and holy. Help me, Lord, to always be respectful of Who You are and of Your holiness.

OMG is not a part of my vocabulary. That is not to imply that I am (or think I am) better than anyone else. It just means that my convictions of the sacredness of God does not include that.

I urge you to pray as Jesus taught us and really mean it when you address Him, "Our Father."

Please add your thoughts and comments below.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

PART II--TEACHING ON PRAYER (THE LORD'S PRAYER)

The most universally known, quoted, and, yes, even prayed prayer in all Christendom is undoubtedly this one, called THE LORD'S PRAYER. Sometimes it is referred to as the "Our Father."

Matthew records Jesus' teaching of this prayer as a part of the "Sermon on the Mount," specifically in Chapter 6, verses 9-15. Luke's version of this teaching is found in his gospel, Chapter 11, verses 1-4. He gives this response of Jesus to a request from His disciples to "teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."

In teaching His disciples to pray, Jesus gave the twelve (and all the world afterward) a prayer to be prayed. But He was also giving them, and us, a model to use in every situation.

There is no indication even hinted in the scriptures, that this (or any other prayer) was to be repeated as a discipline or punishment. Nor does Jesus imply to us that saying the words of the "Lord's Prayer" themselves benefit us.

Jesus was teaching about prayer.

To Whom to pray
What to include in our praying and why.
How to present our physical needs.
How to present our spiritual needs, and, above all,
Commitment to the will of the Father.

Do you spend time regularly in prayer?

What is your level of commitment to His will?

Join with me in learning all Jesus intended for us to learn about praying.

You are encouraged to ask questions and/or comment in the space below.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

PART II--TEACHINGS ON PRAYER (PERSISTENCE)

Prayer for far too many of us has come to fall in one or two categories. On the one hand, there is

The "Gimme" mentality.

Many of us have a "Santa Claus god." "Here's my list, Lord. Gimme what I want." Those of us who pray after this manner usually fall for the "name it and claim it" fallacy. Oops, did I step on some toes?

Yes, there are many promises in the Bible that may give one the idea that you can "name it" and then, by faith, "claim it." For example, John 14:13-14. Here John quotes Jesus. Pretty good authority, huh? "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do." (verse 13) This is followed, in verse 14, with, "If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it." (KJV).

The only qualification in these verses is "in my name." So, we give our list and close our "prayers" with "in Jesus' name I pray, amen." Now, when do I get it? When are my prayers going to be answered?

How often are we disappointed that our "prayers in Jesus' name" are not answered?

The problem with this interpretation of this wonderful promise is within us. "In my name" means "on my authority." An "ambassador for Christ" (II Corinthians 5:20 KJV) acts on the Word and full authority of Jesus. We must be acting within His will.

We, too often, try to obligate God to give us the desires of our heart. Didn't I follow the rules just right? I said, "In Jesus' name."

The second category into which many of our prayers fall is

"Pray it and Leave it."

Didn't I bring it to the Lord? I said who/what I was praying for, didn't I? Now my part has been done. It's up to God...as in the song, "Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there."

This leads us to the teaching of Jesus on

Persistence in Praying.

In Webster's dictionary, the word persist is defined as "to go on resolutely or stubbornly in spite of opposition." Persistent is defined as "continuing in spite of interferences."

How often do you pray (or intend to pray) when some type of opposition or interference blocks your efforts? The devil is quick to attempt to keep anyone from praying. The kids, the phone, the knock at the door, the headache...all are prime interferences to prayer time.

One scripture that refers to Jesus' teaching on persistence is Luke 11:5-8. Here Jesus relates the story of a man whose friend, on a long journey, stops at midnight and, per custom, expects food and lodging. In order to feed his guest, he goes to his neighbor friend, explains the circumstances and gets the bread he needs. Jesus said, regarding the neighbor friend, that he did not help his friend because they were friends, but, rather for his importunity.

The word importunity is defined as "overly persistent." In other words, the man received the help he needed because he kept on knocking. He was "overly persistent" in the attempt to get food for his guest.

When we pray, Jesus is saying, it must be overly persistent. Ask, seek, knock...and keep at it until the answer comes. We are not just to ask and wait until we get a reply.

In Revelation 3:20, Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me." (KJV). Aren't you glad that He keeps on knocking?

I'm grateful that, in Gethsemane, (Luke 22:42, Mark 14:32-39), Jesus persisted in praying, "not my will, but thine be done," even though the answer to His prayer meant His death for you and me.

That's Persistence!!

Another lesson in persistence is found in Jesus' parable of the widow and the unjust judge in Luke 18:1-8. In the first verse, Luke gave the purpose of the parable Jesus told. "And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint." (KJV). The lesson of the parable is persistence in prayer.

Many have interpreted the parable so that God is the judge and that must be incorrect. Jesus said of the judge that he did not fear God, nor have regard for man. The judge was only interested in himself and his convenience. Therefore, he only granted the widow's plea in order to not be troubled by her persistence.

I have heard of many a Mother's prayers for a child to come to the Lord. Nothing would keep her from praying daily for the salvation of her son or daughter. Quietly, being "overly persistent." Not nagging, just persisting. Not giving up in spite of opposition or interferences.

Can you imagine the joy she has when her prayer is answered?

Can you imagine the joy and celebration in heaven over that sinner that repents? (Luke 15:10)

Persistence in Prayer pays big dividends!!

Do you have such an experience in your prayer life? Share it in the comment section below.

Christian's share in order to help others. Your comments are appreciated.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

PART II--TEACHING ON PRAYER Relationship Prayers

Jesus was the Master Teacher. Mind you, not "just a great teacher." But, rather, He was (and still is) The Master Teacher. He used all kinds of teaching methods. In the last post we saw how He taught "how to" by first teaching "how not to." This time He teaches the present subject by example and personal action.

Just what is relationship prayer?

Praying can include a variety of purposes such as praise, worship, confession, repentance, supplication, etc. It may be aloud or silent; public or private; standing, kneeling and so forth. Relationship praying may contain any or all of the above, but always it is born of the special relation between the one praying and the One to Whom prayed. Since it is from a unique relation between the two, the One to Whom prayed is equally involved.

Allow me to give a personal illustration, albeit very earthy in comparison.

My wife, Sue, and I have been married now for (coming up on) thirty-five years. There are many differences between us. She is several years younger than I. She was reared in a vastly different family background. The list of dissimilarities is long. These years have not all been smooth, but she has "put up with" me in spite of the rough times.

Sometimes we could sit on our front porch and talk for hours about nothing or about everything. Often we don't even have to talk. Many times we react the same or come to the same conclusions about circumstances that we haven't discussed. All of this is because of the relationship we have developed during the last thirty-five years.

Many of you, in all likelihood, have such special relationships with your spouse, friend or parents.
Relationship praying stems from such a developed relationship.

In teaching His followers then, and us today, Jesus prayed to His Father out of such a special relationship. After all, He was talking to His Father, with Whom Jesus had already spent an eternity past. (John 1:1). In addition to being the Son of God, Jesus said, "...he that hath seen me hath seen the Father..." (John 14:9b KJV). He said, even more specifically in John 10:30 (KJV), "I and my Father are one." Obviously, then, when Jesus prayed, it was not just a recitation or ritual. It was a communication of a special relationship between Two Who could not be closer.

The gospels are filled with references to the relationship of God, the Son, and God, the Father. Some examples are Luke 1:26-38 (esp. v.32), Matthew 3:16-17, Matthew 11:25-27, Matthew 17:1-5 and John 17:1-5. Chapter 17 of John's gospel will be dealt with separately in Part III--Special Prayers of Jesus. I highly recommend that you take time to read the references above to refresh your memory of Jesus' relationship with His Father.

It was out of that relationship with His Father that Jesus prayed the prayers above. Through

His prayers,
His instructions and actions surrounding those prayers, and
the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in giving us the legacy of His written Word--

He has taught about praying relationship prayers.

Two of these have had the greatest impact on me.

1. The actions He took surrounding His Gethsemane prayer. (Matthew 26:36-46 and Luke 22:39-46)

2. The last prayer He prayed before His death. (Luke 23:44-46 and John 19:28-30).

After the "Last Supper" and before His crucifixion, Jesus went out to the garden Of Gethsemane. The disciples followed along. Luke recorded that Jesus then instructed the disciples to "pray that you do not fall into temptation." After those instructions "He withdrew about a stones throw beyond them...and prayed."

Matthew remembered that Jesus went with His disciples to Gethsemane. He then instructed them to sit while He prayed. Taking Peter, James and John, Jesus instructs these three to "keep watch with me." At that point He went "a little farther...and prayed."

Earlier I referred to my relationship with my wife. Because of that relationship, when important decisions have to be made for our family, I always want to discuss it with her first. Even, in the case of "emergency" decisions, I make them based on the experience of our relationship.

I believe that's what Jesus was doing here. He had a close relationship with these twelve men that had been developed over the previous three years. But, the most important part of His mission on earth was being finalized. He wanted to "discuss" it with the One with Whom He (Jesus) had the closest relationship--His Father.

So, He went "a little farther." The discussion ran like this--"If it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." (Matthew 26:39 NIV)

What a relationship!

What a relationship prayer!!

On the cross Jesus agonized. His pain was great. But other people had been crucified before. In fact, two thieves were being crucified at the same time as He. Now, I'm not belittling the pain and suffering of Jesus during His being nailed to and hung on the cross. However, I'm convinced that there was a greater pain. That greater pain was the burden of the sins of the whole world!

Jesus was the sinless Son of God in human form. (Hebrews 4:15) And, yet, as His mission on earth, given to Him by His Father, Jesus bore "our transgressions." (Isaiah 53:5) Only He could be the perfect sacrifice that was called for. Only One with a perfect relationship with God could provide that which would satisfy completely God's call for death as a price for sin. But, also, only He could be resurrected from that death because of His relationship to the Father.

This is why I believe that Jesus is "the way, the truth and the life." (John 14:6 KJV).

Jesus, having fulfilled all that the Scripture required of Him in His mission (John 19:28 KJV), He could say "Into thy hands I commend my Spirit" (Luke 23:46) and "It is finished." (John 19L30 KJV). Praise the Lord. He finished His job!

Father, help me to develop the kind of relationship with You, that I can say with Paul, "I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith." (II Timothy 4:7 KJV). When my life is over, whenever that may be, may I be able to say--through the righteousness of Jesus--it is finished.